Abstract
Pterosaur specimens with complete and well-preserved palatal region are rare. Here we describe new and previously collected specimens of the pterodactyloid pterosaur Dsungaripterus weii that are three-dimensionally preserved and provide new anatomical information for this species. Among the unique features is a lateral process of the pterygoid divided into two parts: an anterior thin, parabolic arc shaped element that separates the secondary subtemporal and the subtemporal fenestrae, followed by a dorsoventrally flattened portion that is directed inside the subtemporal fenestrae. The interpterygoid fenestrae join forming an irregular oval shape with two symmetrical posterior notches and a smooth anterior margin. Among all pterosaurs where the palate is known, the posterior configuration of the palate of D. weii is similar to some azhdarchoids, which is consistent with the suggested phylogenetic position of the Dsungaripteridae as closely related to the Azhdarchoidea. Furthermore, we identify symmetrical grooves on the lateral surface of the upper and lower jaws, that likely represent the impression of the edge of a keratinous sheath that would cover the upturned toothless rostrum during foraging activity, most likely consisting of hard elements, as has been previously assumed. Wear facets on the teeth also support this feeding mode.
Highlights
Dsungaripterus weii is a member of the Dsungaripteridae and was first described in 1964 by Young (1964)
We describe the palatal region of several specimens that have been originally collected by Young (1964) and new material collected in the Urho–Delunshan region since 2006, providing novel anatomical information from the palatal region that complement the diagnosis of this pterosaur
Due to the highly fused state of all cranial elements, IVPP V 4063 is here considered at least a subadult
Summary
Dsungaripterus weii is a member of the Dsungaripteridae and was first described in 1964 by Young (1964). New anatomical information on Dsungaripterus weii Young, 1964 with focus on the palatal region. Additional material attributed to Dsungaripterus was recovered from Wucaicheng, on the eastern margin of the Junggar Basin (Li & Ji, 2010). All materials of this pterosaur are three-dimensionally preserved and show a peculiar cranial and dental morphology that has been acknowledged by several researchers (Young, 1964, 1973; Kellner, 2003; Unwin, 2003; Lü et al, 2009; Li & Ji, 2010; Wu et al, 2017). Among the most striking features are the following: a well-developed sagittal crest that starts before the anterior margin of the nasoantorbital fenestra and extends above the occipital region; a robust anterior portion of the premaxilla, that tapers anteriorly and is upturned; a sub-rounded and comparatively small orbit that is positioned high up on the skull; bulbous teeth with broad and oval base; and lack of teeth on the tips of the skull and the mandible
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